Product classification
HS code for Data tape: 8523.29
Magnetic media, other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37.
Classification of data tape under HS 8523.29
Data tape is classified under HS code 8523.29 because it is a magnetic medium used for the storage of data, excluding cards that incorporate a magnetic stripe. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The specific subheading 8523.29 is designated for magnetic media that are not specifically mentioned elsewhere, such as magnetic discs or cards. These tapes are typically used for high-capacity data backup and archival purposes in enterprise computing environments. The classification is determined by the physical nature of the storage medium—magnetic particles on a flexible plastic film—and its primary function as a recording medium for phenomena other than sound or image, although it can technically store any digital data. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, which in this case clearly point to 8523 for prepared unrecorded media for sound recording or similar recording of other phenomena.
- Covers
- LTO (Linear Tape-Open) storage cartridges
- DLT (Digital Linear Tape) cartridges
- Magnetic backup tape reels
- Quarter-Inch Cartridges (QIC)
- 8mm data cartridges (Exabyte)
- DDS (Digital Data Storage) tapes
- Also under 8523.29
- LTO-8 Ultrium tape
- Sony DVCAM tape
- Maxell UR audio cassette
- Verbatim 3.5" floppy disk
- Fujifilm LTO data cartridge
Codes often confused with 8523.29
Common mistake. Data tapes are frequently misclassified under HS code 8523.21, which is specifically reserved for cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, such as credit cards or transit passes. Another common error is using HS code 8523.51, which covers solid-state non-volatile storage devices like SSDs and USB flash drives. While both store data, the physical storage mechanism (magnetic tape vs. semiconductor) requires different classification. Additionally, recorded media containing software may sometimes be confused with 8523.49, which is for optical media like CDs or DVDs.
Top exporters and importers of HS 852329 (the code used for data tape), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 852329 (the code used for data tape) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 45% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 852329, not only data tape.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $2.0B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $873M 18% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $592M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $1.6B 45% of world imports
- 2 China $538M 15% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $489M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for data tape
Brazil splits HS 8523.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8523.29.11Magnetic discs for hard disk drives
- 8523.29.19Other magnetic discs
- 8523.29.90Magnetic tapes and other magnetic media
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about data tape
What is the HS code for Data tape?
The HS code for Data tape is 852329 (Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37). The HS code for data tape is 8523.29, which covers magnetic media other than magnetic stripe cards.
How do I classify Data tape for customs?
Data tape is classified under HS code 852329 — Magnetic media; other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 37. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include audio cassette tapes?
Yes, 8523.29 generally includes magnetic tapes for sound recording, though some jurisdictions may have specific national subheadings for consumer audio tapes.
Which countries are the top exporters of data tape (HS 852329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 852329 (the code used for data tape) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($2.0B, 42% of world exports), China ($873M) and Malaysia ($592M). World exports came to about $4.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of data tape (HS 852329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 852329 (the code used for data tape) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($1.6B, 45% of world imports), China ($538M) and the Philippines ($489M). World imports came to about $3.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Data tape the same in all countries?
The base HS code 852329 for Data tape is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for data tape in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 852329 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for data tape depends on the product's details: 8523.29.11 (Magnetic discs for hard disk drives), 8523.29.19 (Other magnetic discs), 8523.29.90 (Magnetic tapes and other magnetic media).